The Teams
1991 Crew of Tsunami
Adam Hutchings
In Memory of Adam – 1985–2017
We are heartbroken to share the loss of one of our Tsunami team members, Adam, who passed away on the morning of August 21, 2017, at the age of 32 after a courageous five-month battle with a centralized brain tumor.
Adam was an inspiration to all of us. From the moment he joined the project, he brought a spirit of generosity, warmth, and humor that lifted everyone around him. Whether he was turning a wrench, sharing a story, or just lending a helping hand, Adam had a way of making you feel like you were exactly where you belonged.
With his quick wit, quirky sense of humor, and natural gift for conversation, Adam could brighten even the longest of workdays. He made friends everywhere he went — even at the hardware store, where he was often mistaken for an employee because of how readily he offered advice and help to strangers.
He loved being outdoors, especially if it involved fishing, jet skiing, snowmobiling, or jumping into his wife’s gardening projects — often uninvited but always welcomed. A lifelong Batman fan, a movie quote master, and someone who always seemed to have a cold Pepsi in hand, Adam's unique spark and kindness left a lasting mark on everyone he met.
His memory lives on in the hearts of his family, friends, and every one of us lucky enough to have worked alongside him on Tsunami. This project meant a great deal to him, and his dedication and spirit will forever be part of its story.
Kelley Monroe
In Memory of Kelley Monroe – 1953–2020
Kelley Monroe, Tsunami’s original Crew Chief from 1990 to 1991, passed away on February 14, 2020, at the age of 66. His passion for aviation and unwavering dedication to the Tsunami project made him an irreplaceable part of its history — and a cherished member of our family.
Kelley was more than a mechanic or a crew chief — he was a teacher, a teammate, and a friend. His wife, Nancy, shared with us that being part of the Tsunami project was one of the greatest chapters of his life. She told us how much it meant to him to be involved in something so exciting and inspirational, and how deeply he valued the lessons he learned working under John Sandberg. When she gave us his original crew jacket, it was a powerful reminder of the pride he carried and the legacy he left behind.
A licensed pilot who owned his own aircraft, Kelley never missed a chance to talk aviation with anyone who would listen. He also loved hunting, fishing, and volunteering in youth sports as a coach. His mechanical skills were legendary — so much so that his family affectionately nicknamed him “Mc’Kelley” because there was nothing he couldn’t fix. He was a proud Minnesotan, a lifelong Twins and Gophers fan, and most importantly, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
Kelley’s legacy lives on in every rivet, every story, and every young person inspired by this project. He was a foundational part of Tsunami’s journey — and he will always be remembered as someone who helped make this dream fly.
Tsunami's Future
Christmas 2003
On Christmas of 2003, I, Sharon Sandberg, received a phone call from the family aircraft engine shop, JRS, with unexpected news: Tsunami — along with a Sheet Metal shear — had been loaded up and was on its way to me.
When the wreckage arrived, it was the first time many of the original crew members had seen the aircraft since the accident. It was a deeply emotional moment. Seeing the twisted metal and broken pieces made everything feel real again — and yet, there was comfort in knowing that the section they had worked on had not been the cause of the failure.
For me, receiving Tsunami wasn’t just about bringing home a piece of history — it was a turning point.
It represented a spark of possibility, the beginning of what would eventually become a long journey toward honoring my father’s legacy and bringing Tsunami back to life.
Sobering Moments of the arrival of Tsunami
One of the most sobering moments came when we realized that this was the very section of the fuselage where my father,
John R. Sandberg, had been cut out of the aircraft following the crash on September 25, 1991.
Standing there, face to face with that piece of history, was heartbreaking — but also a reminder of the strength, courage, and legacy he left behind.
Moving Forward
November 2009
Sharon Sandberg (daughter of John Sandberg), Duane Kruse and John R. Sandberg Bjornstad (grandson of John Sandberg) begin discussions on what it would take to bring Tsunami back to life.
January 2010
A small team of volunteers removes Tsunami from her storage container and begins disassembly in preparation for restoration.
July 2010
The Tsunami project makes its public debut at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
September 2011
Due to a lack of funding and a proper team, the project goes dormant.
October 2013
The Sandberg family donates Tsunami to Flight Expo, Inc., a local aviation 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
September 2015
John Bjornstad, Wally Johnson, Duane Kruse resumes construction on Tsunami.
A new chapter in the racer’s history begins.